Military Exercises Near Pankisi Gorge

(Tbilisi, Civil Georgia, August 13, 2002) – “This morning the first unit of the Ministry of Defense was dispatched to Akhmeta district [where troubled Pankisi gorge is located] to participate in the large-scale military exercises,” Georgian Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze stated at the news briefing on August 13.

The Minister ruled out that any kind of military operation is planned in Pankisi, where allegedly Chechen fighters and terrorists are hiding.

“This military exercises would positively influence resolution of Pankisi problem,” Georgian Defense Minster added.